According to Webster, if you are grateful, you are “appreciative of the benefits received.” The word entitlement means “belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.”
When you receive something - a gift, a compliment, an unexpected visit from a friend – do you find yourself grateful and even a bit undeserving of the love shown to you? Do you thank God for the gift of family and friends? Do you often think you’ve got an amazing life regardless of the circumstances around you? If this describes you, I would say you have a grateful heart.
When you do not receive something that someone else has, do you get envious? Do you often utter the words, “I deserve that”? Do you find yourself always wanting, needing more? If you do, chances are you have an entitlement attitude.
I have walked in both gratitude and entitlement. When I put myself up against the perfect Son of God, I always walk in gratitude. When I measure my life against others and their successes/failures, I tend to walk with an entitled attitude.
Friends, we deserve one thing: eternal separation from a perfect, holy God. But, if we know Christ and accept His work on the cross, we do not get what we deserve. We get mercy shown to us beyond measure! That fact alone should cause us to walk with a grateful heart.
Time to chime in and give me your two cents. I gave you mine!
Do you tend to live in gratitude or entitlement?
Thank you for this posting! I try to have that grateful heart. But, alas, I do feel a sense of entitlement at times also! I appreciate the reminder. I need these little wake up calls! It is good for my soul! Thanks!!!
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Good reminder to change my perspective! THanks for this lovely post and reminder.
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Such a good post.
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